This article was originally published by @otakugamer at 6 Best CPUs for Gaming and Streaming of 2021 Reviewed In Detail

The great thing about CPUs is that they give you an option to start again from, well, wherever you are. Just imagine being able to upgrade yourself mentally or physically as a human being without any medical surgery, or having to go to school. Now stop imagining, because it will never happen. Not in our lifetime at least. You may be well past such a life-changing opportunity, but your PC still has a chance. The best CPUs for gaming and streaming in 2021 can do this and more.

Give your PC a new chance with a new silicon heart today. In our list of the best CPUs for PCs, we have reviewed everything from processor chips to mini PCs, and from AMDs to Intels. We have also included a guide to help you think like a Pro and avoid rookie decisions when you are ready to make a purchase.

#Best CPUs for Gaming and Streaming of 2021 Reviewed In Detail

#1. CyberpowerPC Xtreme VR Gaming PC

Most Powerful PC

Break down boundaries and step into your game with visuals more stunning than ever before with the CyberpowerPC Gamer Xtreme VR Gaming PC. For fans of console gaming, this PC has been tested and proven to meet the requirements that support VR gaming for both the HTC VIVE with Steam VR and the Oculus Rift VR. With Virtual Reality fast becoming the gaming world’s next evolution, let the CyberPowerPC immerse you into the experience of VR gaming and streaming.

Key Features

• The CyberpowerPC Xtreme VR Gaming PC comes with Intel Core i5-10400F 2.9GHz 6-Core processor, an 8GB DDR4 RAM, a 500GB PCI-E NVMe SSD system, and Genuine 64-bit Windows OS.
• It comes with an amazing NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Super 6GB Graphics Card.
• This CPU has an HDMI port, DisplayPort, six USB 3.1, two USB 2.0, and RJ-45.
  

Look on Amazon

#2. Skytech Archangel Gaming PC

Most Powerful AMD

Experience true PC gaming performance with Skytech Archangel Gaming PC. Featuring the GTX graphics technology from NVIDIA and is powered by AMD's Ryzen 5 3600 6-core processor. This PC is one of the highest-performing gaming rigs in the market. The Skytech Archangel Gaming PC is built up to date from back to front and will easily run popular games such as Fortnite, World of Warcraft, Grand Theft Auto, and League of Legends.

Key Features

• The Skytech Archangel Gaming PC uses an AMD Ryzen 5 3600 6-Core 12-Thread 3.6GHz CPU with a max boost of 4.2 GHz, 500GB SSD, and 16GB DDR4 RAM.
• The 3 RGB ring fans on this PC allow for maximum airflow and create a beautiful look whenever the PC is running.
• It is covered with the white Skytech Archangel Case and tempered glass on its sides.
  

Look on Amazon

#3. AMD Ryzen 5 3600 6-Core

Best Budget Processor

The AMD Ryzen 5 3600 6-Core processor takes the value crown. Featuring 12 threads, 32MB of L3 cache, and access to 24 lanes of PCIe 4.0. The 65W bundled Wraith cooler isn't as beefy as you would think, considering how AMD likes to build them, but it's still decent enough to cool your processor in a gaming machine.

AMD has nailed the efficiency here with a 65W TDP envelope, and the Zen 2 architecture featuring TMSC's 7nm manufacturing process, delivering remarkably low power consumption levels. And, well, we all know that AMD chips adore fast memory!

Key Features

• The AMD Ryzen 5 3600 6-Core processor can deliver ultra-fast 100+ FPS performance in gaming.
• Ryzen 3000 chips officially support dual-channel DDR4-3200 and the Ryzen 5 3600 is no different.
• It comes with Wraith Stealth to help the system run quietly.
  

Look on Amazon

#4. Intel Core i9-9900K Desktop Processor

Also Consider

As far as desktop processors go, the Intel Core i9-9900K Desktop Processor is a fierce rival. Intel's Core i9-9900K CPU is a spirited performer, no matter what you task it with. Featuring 8 Cores and 16 threads, and is ready for any software tasks applications have in store. This powerful chip is peak silicon for a new build.

Beyond clock speed and core count, gamers need to pay attention to a processor’s cache and its peak supported memory speed. The Core i9-9900K has a peak memory speed of 2,666MHz and 16MB of L3 cache. So it’s good to go.

Key Features

• The Intel Core i9-9900K Desktop Processor clocks at 3.60 GHz and maxes at 5.0 GHz.
• This chip is only compatible with Motherboards based on Intel 300 Series Chipsets.
• It has a 5GHz peak one-core clock for single-threaded apps, and it comes unlocked.
  

Look on Amazon

#5. CHUWI HeroBox Mini PC

Equipped with 64-bit windows and an Intel Gemini-Lake N4100 Quad-Core processor, the CHUWI HeroBox Mini PC offers faster running speed and stable performance. The CHUWI HeroBox comes with 4K ultra high definition streaming capability, giving you a great viewing experience for movies and shows. Its fanless design makes it very silent, adopting energy-efficient components and cooling elements for better performance.

Key Features

• The CHUWI Herobox Mini PC offers a 64-bit Windows 10 Intel Gemini-Lake N4100 Quad-Core processor, an 8GB DDR4 RAM, and a 256GB SSD.
• It also features expandable storage and supports a SATA HDD of up to 2TB, and a TF card of up to 128GB.
• This device has two USB 2.0 and 3.0 ports, an HD port, and a VGA port. The HD port on the Mini PC can output 4K, 60FPS video.
• Improved transmission frequency with Dual-Band 2.4G+5G Wi-Fi.
  

Look on Amazon

#6. AMD 7th Generation A10-9700 Processor

The 7th Generation AMD A10-9700 Processor is one of the latest releases in the A10 series processors lineup. It was launched in 2017. This processor is one of the last APUs after which AMD Started developing the Ryzen Series of processors with Vega Integrated graphics. This AMD is a 7th Generation quad-core desktop processor, with a speed of 3.5 GHz and a turbo clock of 3.8 GHz. This processor has an AM4 type socket and a 28nm transistor. The (TDP) Thermal Design Power of this processor is 65W. Every specification of this processor from its socket and TDP to its Frequency are all good performance indicators.

Key Features

• The AMD 7th Generation A10-9700 Processor uses a Quad-Core chip and offers Radeon Graphics.
• This product comes unlocked and is upgradable.
• The AM4 type socket on this processor means it can also work with Ryzen.
  

Look on Amazon

#Best CPUs for Gaming and Streaming Buying Guide

Almost every one of us has been at that pla-a-a-a-a-a-ce where our system begins to dra-a-a-a-a-a-ag unprovoked. But we can all admit that gamers and streamers are the real victims here. If you are after the best CPU for gaming and streaming in 2021, then you're in the right place.

Powerful performance at a reasonable price is what gamers want, and for streamers, plenty of cores for content creation and streaming. Some of us are just looking for better productivity, and whatever else we happen to use our PC for. A good processor is at the center of everything. And, to build a solid computer in 2021 and beyond, you're going to need a quality CPU.

In this guide, we will give you all the information you need to help you find what you want the most: A CPU with a good balance of price and performance.

Let’s begin with the basics…

#What should I consider when choosing a CPU for gaming and streaming?

Of course, with CPUs, there are so many specs being thrown around in the tech world; clock speed, threads, chips, RAM, ROM, etc. You don't need to know everything, you only need a few to make a smart purchase. We have narrowed them down to these few. Let's dive right in.

#What are RAM and SSD?

RAM (Random Access Memory) is the hardware in the CPU where the operating system (OS), application programs, and data in current use are kept so they can be quickly reached by the processor. RAM can be compared to a person's short-term memory. The amount of RAM needed all depends on what you use your PC for. Gamers and streamers shouldn't go for anything less than 8GB of ram. However, if you are running other applications at the same time, say you are gaming on Twitch, even 8GB of RAM can slow things down.

RAM is the main memory in a computer, but when it is filled up, the computer must find other non-volatile kinds of storage, such as a hard disk drive (HDD), solid-state drive (SSD), or optical drive. An average PC game takes up about 40GB to 50GB, so gamers should be looking to fetch an SSD not less than 500GB from the market, while streamers can do less; 256GB. If you get a 256GB SSD as a gamer, you can still play games, but you might not have enough storage for more than one FPS, so the larger the better.

#AMD or Intel?

You can't lose with AMD or Intel. Both these companies make amazing CPUs and processors. The battle is between these two and we see a different winner emerge every year with every single piece of upgrade. As long as you're considering current-generation parts, the performance debate is a wash, particularly when it comes to gaming and streaming. Some of the pricier mainstream Intel processors do slightly better on gaming, and AMD processors are known to handle tasks like video editing and streaming quicker, thanks to extra cores and threads.

#Core and Threads

A CPU core is the hardware component of the CPU where tasks are executed. A thread is a virtual component that allows the execution of tasks. Think about a 'task' as a journey from Newyork to Miami beach (tedious but worth it), the 'core' as a car to us there, and the 'thread' as a single route from Newyork to Miami. It takes at least 18 hours. So the higher the number of cars and routes pliable to Miami beach, the more people can move at a time.

A process completed on your computer requires multiple tasks. Hence, the need for multiple cores and threads. A single core works with two threads, which means if your CPU is a Quad-Core (4 cores) it has 8 threads. Before you sleep off on this paragraph, what you need to know is: Most games are optimized to work with minimum quad-core which is 4 CPU cores and it takes about two cores for streaming. But this can also depend on what CPU you buy too.

#What is Clock Speed and why do you need it?

For gaming, the clock speed can be more important than the core number. A 5.2GHz CPU can outperform a 4.7GHz CPU even if the core count of both CPUs is the same. Higher CPU clock speeds translate to faster performance in simple, common tasks such as gaming. The fastest CPUs of any family of processors have the highest clock speeds. Do not go less than 3GHz even if you're on a budget.

Finally, don't pair a strong CPU with weak storage, RAM, and graphics card.

#Best CPU for Gaming and Streaming FAQ

Q: Do streamers use AMD or Intel?

A: All things considered, streaming benefits from more cores and threads. A higher core count means a better streaming performance. So it's more about which AMD has more cores and threads than intel. Ryzen usually has better multi-core performance and comes at a lower price/core than intel.

Q: Can RAM improve FPS?

A: Depending on how much RAM you have, adding more RAM could improve your FPS in some scenarios.

Q: How much RAM do I need for streaming?

A: Although 8GB of RAM will work, 16GB is the sweet spot for streaming.

This article was originally published by @otakugamer at 6 Best CPUs for Gaming and Streaming of 2021 Reviewed In Detail